An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of computer game design, with an emphasis on technical skills. Topics include game critique, game design, programming, visual and audio design, and interactive storytelling.
This paper is designed to introduce students to the multi-disciplinary nature of computer game design, with the emphasis on technical skills.
| Paper title | Computer Game Design |
|---|---|
| Paper code | COSC360 |
| Subject | Computer Science |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Summer School |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,080.30 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $4,858.95 |
- Prerequisite
- COSC 242
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
Students wishing to take this paper will need to have a strong background in computer programming. The prerequisite for this paper is COSC 242 or equivalent, at the discretion of the department. If you are interested in taking this paper, it is important to contact the course advisers for Computer Science as early as possible.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Convenor and Lecturer: Dr Lech Szymanski
- Paper Structure
This is a Summer School paper, run over six weeks, using Unity game engine. Lectures cover planning, ideas, production pipeline, prototyping, games engines and mechanics, UI, AI, testing, 3D graphics, networking. Labs cover Unity Game Development, Paint.net, Inkscape, Audacity, Git, Core docs, Game critiques, UI, Animation.
Assessment:- There are three assignments, each worth 11%
- The first assignment is individual; the other two are group work, which goes toward the final project
- Some laboratory exercises are assessed for a total of 7%
- The project is a full computer game worth 34%, + 6% for presentation
- The final exam is worth 20%
- Teaching Arrangements
Each week there are: four 1-hour lectures, four 2-hour lab sessions and two 1-hour tutorials.
- Textbooks
Recommended but not required: Jesse Schell, The Art of Game Design.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
This paper will enable students to:
- Get familiar with a 2D game engine
- Learn about technical aspects of computer game development: graphics, collisions, game AI, etc.
- Have the opportunity to design and develop your own computer game in a team of 3-4 people
- Learn about various aspects of the game experience
- Have a chance to participate in a full software development cycle
